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Director-General expresses her condolences and pledges UNESCO’s support for victims in Philippines

The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, expressed her sadness and concern about the unprecedented devastation caused by the typhon Haiyan in Philippines, and pledged UNESCO’s support for the victims of the disaster.

"I have been deeply saddened to observe the devastation and terrible loss of lives being caused by the storm that provoked a wave that reached up to 5 meters ravaging Tacloban in Philippines,” said Ms Bokova.

“As rescue and prevention efforts continue, allow me to express profound sympathy and sincere condolences to the Government and people of Philippines, on my behalf and that of UNESCO,” she continued. “Please rest assured that we stand ready to provide, within the Organization’s fields of competence, all the assistance the Philippines authorities may desire.”

According to the Filipino government, more than 10,000 people may have died and some 4 million people have been affected, many of them having lost their homes and their crops.